A 32-year-old Hamlin man is charged with beating and drowning a dog resulting in its death.

Investigators say beat the dog – a four-year-old Labrador mix named Cole – drowned him in the bathtub and buried it behind his home.

"This dog suffered greatly at the hands of Shawn Weezorak," said Humane Society Vice President of Operations and Field Services Richard Gerbasi. "Given his history of violence, studies have shown that this kind of behavior towards animals could easily escalate to violence against humans."

Weezorak was arraigned Wednesday on charges of aggravated animal cruelty and is being held in Monroe County Jail. The felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animal offense carries a penalty of up to two years in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.